is weaker now than it was before president obama took office. just 24% say the nation is stronger. 27% say it's about the same. of course, this comes as lawmakers have just weeks to reach a deal to avoid the across the board spending cuts set to kick in on march the 1st. of course, nobody thinks washington can get anything done. why would they think washington could get anything done? when was the last time -- ed henry is live at the white house. the president today seemed ready to take republicans head on over these cuts. >> that's right, shep. he was very feisty. he was sort of back in campaign mode. he was slamming republicans, charging they are trying to slash local programs. he basically said he is going to be able to go out on the roads in the weeks ahead after the state of the union address and make the case to the american people that he wants fewer spending cuts and more tax increases to deal with this budget crisis. take a listen to the president. >> if that's an argument that they want to have before the court of public opinion, that